we are all creative I recently commented on this in a video, but wanted to reiterate it. You are creative. Even if you think you don’t have a creative bone in your body, you do. If you want to nourish your spirit and improve your problem-solving abilities, try something artsy or crafty. It doesn’t have to be perfect. In fact, that’s part of the process of nourishing your creative and critical thinking skills. Give your brain room to roam, to play, to create without judgement. You may not end up with an art masterpiece, but you will end up with a more flexible and responsive mind. If you want more tips…

Embrace a life you want It’s important to recognize feelings, situations, and people who don’t support our best interests. Letting go of these makes room for more positive, goal-supporting influences. I have learned to pay attention to my thoughts and redirect any that are negative or self-defeating. Sadly, I have also learned to let negative, defeatist people drift out of my life. If there is anyone you spend time with who leaves you feeling drained and demoralized, spend less time with that person; ideally, stop spending any time with them. I know it sounds harsh, but your well-being and your future depend on it. Don’t let energy vampires steal your life.…

and increase your energy Today I have felt restless and out-of-sorts. It has made it hard to concentrate on any project. My cure for days like this involves two things: Self-compassion: I don’t give myself a hard time about it, and I give myself permission to roam – physically and mentally. Time in nature: I live in the city, so I can’t wander off into the woods. However, I can stand barefoot on the grass, study the structure of a peony blossom, or take a walk in a local park. Thankful Thursday Today, just take time to smell the roses, enjoy those little things about your life, your family, spouse,…

that mean the most My neighbors may think I’m the crazy chicken lady, but I don’t mind. A chicken is a small animal who produces a small, edible egg, yet a chicken can be much more. I find watching and listening to my hens comforting and relaxing. They are naturally curious and respond to my voice, especially if I have strawberries in my hand (they love strawberries!). Although some days are hectic and I only have time to fill feeders and waterers, I like to take a few minutes each day to simply be with the hens and appreciate their simple beauty and silly personalities. Appreciating the small things in life can…

and experience more happiness When we worry over what the future may bring, we create stress and unhappiness in our lives. The key to daily peace and happiness is to focus on what we have right now. It doesn’t mean we don’t have goals or make plans; it means we aren’t attached to the outcomes of those dreams. Live in the present and appreciate life today. When you focus on what you have and appreciate it, you will live a happier life. Thankful Thursday Today I am thankful for a new-to-me dishwasher. My old dishwasher had developed a habit of not always opening the cover that releases the detergent. As…

Gratitude is a daily practice If we want to get better at any activity, we practice. Learning to play an instrument? Practice to get better. Trying a new craft or art technique? Practice until you get it. Want more joy in your life? Practice being grateful. Thankful Thursday Today I am thankful I can sit here at the breakfast bar in my kitchen working while I keep up with the laundry. It’s one of my favorite parts of my Want-To Life, and I hope I never take if for granted since it brings so much joy to my life. Today marks the start of 365 tips to make our lives…

Tell others you appreciate them Some days I think I say “Thank You” too much. If you go to dinner with me you’ll notice I thank the server multiple times over the course of the meal. But you know what? I am thankful! I appreciate anyone willing to bring me food, fill my glass, and carry away the dirty dishes. They are making my life more pleasant, and I thank them for it. Today’s Thankful Thursday reminds us to take time to show gratitude and appreciation for those around us. You can watch the video or listen below, download the MP3 here, or read the transcript. This is the last…

What Does Being Grateful Mean to You? To me, being grateful means I take time to appreciate all the simple things in my life: my little dog, Munchkin, who has lived to 18 years and counting, seeds that sprout and grow flowers and food in my garden, health that allows me to do the things I want to do, a home that gives me joy and comfort. In this third installment on gratitude, we’re reminded to take time to remember the small things, the everyday things, that enhance our lives. I don’t like to compare myself with others, but the narrator makes a valid point that we often overlook positive attributes…

Welcome to Thankful Thursday! This week I am thankful for good friends over the course of a lifetime. I’m not a particularly social person, so you won’t find my calendar full of parties and outings with friends. Yet I know by experience that my friends have got my back. I’m thankful they are willing to help out with the simple things like moving a piece of furniture and the deep and painful things like grieving the death of a loved one. My life is full thanks to the friends who make me laugh, keep me honest, and support me through good times and bad. Thank you! Last week’s Thankful Thursday…